BEUKEMA: Deer disease a major concern for Michigan hunters

A deer carcass lays next to a dried-up waterhole in rural Clinton County, Mich. on Oct. 12, 2012. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources reported that the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has produced more than 8,500 confirmed deer deaths in Michigan this year. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Dale G. Young )

Hunting seasons this year bring with them more than expectations of taking a buck with a nice rack. The disease; epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has raised its ugly head making for concern among hunters.

EHD is a virus carried by tiny flies that causes deer to bleed internally, stop eating, and die. “We are seeing more of it,” DNR wildlife veterinarian Dan O’Brien said.

According to O’Brien, “EHD is a common disease found in the southern and western states. Deer populations in those states have adjusted and remain stable.

Advertisement

“A die off in one local area can deplete the deer population in that small area for small time, but it’s unlikely it will have major consequences on the deer herd.”

So far, counties affected near Oakland County include a confirmed case in Genessee County. Most have been west of Lansing. However, O’Brien says we could see some before a hard frost.

“There’s a lot we don’t know about how weather affects the disease. Last year’s mild winter and dry weather this year have affected the abundance of the little insects that transmit the disease.

“If you believe in global warming, we may see more cases in the future, O’Brien said.”

The tiny insect is smaller than a mosquito, similar to no see-ums. The limiting factor is when frost comes and kills off the bugs. The cases should stop within a week or two, according to O’Brien.

“We understand why people are concerned not used to seeing deer dropping dead in the field. The range of effects proceed rapidly when deer develop a fever and move toward water.

“Finding deer dead in or near water, can also get deer that don’t develop a peracute form (pulmonary disease causing animals to die quickly) , abnormalities in hooves, some may have sufficient immunity and don’t get sick. It’s not uncommon that the deer population sort of adjusts with some level of immunity.”

So far, 10,400 infected deer have been found in 29 counties in Michigan. More are expected to be found once farmers harvest crops and hunters find deceased deer while hunting.

The disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted by a type of biting fly. A constant characteristic of EHD is its sudden onset.

Deer can suffer extensive internal bleeding, lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively and finally become unconscious. Due to a high fever, infected deer often are found sick or dead along or in bodies of water.

This year has seen a number of major outbreaks across the country, and EHD has been documented in all neighboring states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

The DNR says EHD does not affect humans, so edibility of the venison is not affected by this disease. There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus either from the midge or from handling and eating venison.

Anyone discovering concentrations of dead deer or those seeking more information can contact their local wildlife biologist at the nearest DNR office. Office locations can be found at www.michigan.gov/wildlife under Wildlife Offices.

Because dead deer do not harbor EHD and cannot infect other deer, it’s fine to leave carcasses where they are found.

It’s also fine to bury dead deer at a sufficient depth so that no parts are showing above ground. Finally, carcasses will be accepted at landfills that accept household solid waste.

SIDEBAR: The Department of Natural Resources asks hunters and other Michigan residents to continue to report sightings of dead deer to help with the department’s efforts to monitor the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in the state this year.

“Some people may have the perception that, once we have confirmed the presence of EHD in an area, we are no longer interested in additional reports of dead deer in those areas – that is not true. We want the reports,” said Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason.

“Any and all reports, whether the deer seem to have died recently or not so recently, will help ensure we have accurate information about the extent of die-offs.”

To report the presence of dead deer, the DNR encourages residents to contact their nearest Wildlife Office (information on Wildlife Offices is available at www.michigan.gov/wildlife, under Contact Information) or fill out the online Report Diseased Wildlife form.

For additional information about EHD and a regularly updated map showing the number of deaths from the disease by county, as well as a link to the report form, see www.michigan.gov/wildlifedisease (under Current Issues).

Mason reminded hunters that the current deer season framework remains in place and will go as planned this year. When considering regulations for next year, the DNR will factor in the impact of EHD along with other influences on the deer population.

In the meantime, Mason recommends that hunters and landowners assess the deer population in their area and carefully consider the amount of antlerless deer harvest they desire this year. People hunting in areas that were hit hardest by EHD may want to limit or curtail antlerless deer harvest.

EHD does not affect humans, so edibility of the venison is not affected by this disease. There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus either from the midge or from handling and eating venison.

Roger Beukema writes a weekly outdoors column for Journal Register Newspapers. Email him at dutchbeukema@comcast.net and read his blog at theoaklandpress.